1.
Q: Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A: Explain that as you set off you would check your mirrors and then apply the brakes and that they should not feel spongy or slack and that the vehicle should not pull to one side.

2.
Q: Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A: Explain that you can find the recommended tyre pressures in the vehicle handbook and also where on your particular vehicle, often this is on a plate on the door frame. Explain you would use a reliable pressure gauge and that you would check and adjust them when the tyres are cold, you also need to check the spare tyre where fitted and also replace all the valve caps.

3.
Q: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

A: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

4.
Q: Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A: Explain that you would check both walls on each tyre for any cuts or bulges, also that your tyre should have a minimum 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and also around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

5.
Q: Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

A: Explain how you would operate the lights switch, mention that if necessary you would need to turn on the ignition and then walk around the vehicle to check all lights. Please note: this is a ‘tell-me’ question and you won’t be required to physically check your lights

6.
Q: Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

A: Explain that the warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

7.
Q: Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

A: Explain that if necessary you would turn on the ignition and then operate the switch and that you would walk round vehicle and check. Please note: this is a ‘tell-me’ question and you won’t be required to physically check your indicators

8.
Q: Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

A: Explain how you would operate the brake pedal and where possible make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

9.
Q: Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A: If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly and before starting a journey there are two simple checks that can be made. If you put gentle pressure on the steering wheel as you start the engine then this should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively by turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

10.
Q: Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use them, you don’t need to exit the vehicle.

A: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on and explain that you would use them if visibility drops to below 100 metres.

11.
Q: Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped headlights to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

A: Operate switch to dipped position (with ignition or engine on if necessary), then move switch to main beam and identify warning light on dashboard.

12.
Q: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A: Identify the dipstick and describe how you would remove it and wipe it clean and then return the dipstick into position, remove again and check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers on the dipstick, then if necessary top up with recommended oil.

13.
Q: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

A: Identify the coolant header tank, then identify the low and high level markings on the tank and then describe how to top up to a correct level.

14.
Q: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

A: Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the level against the high and low markings on the side of the reservoir.

SHOW ME QUESTIONS

1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?

4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?